After a year of University online its finally time to return back to campus. But first here’s my experience travelling to Melbourne via the Vaccinated Travel Lane
Note: This is based on my experience and may not reflect what occurs during your trip. Quarantine/isolation and testing requirements do change based on the COVID situation and it is advised that you check the Victorian Government website for the latest updates before your flight.
In order to utilize the VTL there were several documents which needed to be prepared. I recommended that you print these documents out.
When checking in our luggage at Changi Aiport we were asked to show physical proof of our vaccine certificate and the negative pre-departure PCR test. Afterwards everything during the transit to Melbourne occured as per usual.
Within 24 hours of arrival we were required to either take a PCR or take a RAT (Rapid Antigen Test) test and isolate until we returned a negative result.
Another PCR/RAT test was required to be taken between days 5 and 7 of arrival.
Again these were the quarantine arrangements during my trip (02/01/2022) and might not be up to date. Do check the Victorian Government website for up to date information before your flight.
Currently RAT kits are sold out in all chemists and pharmacists in Melbourne. I would highly recommend bringing your own kits from Singapore in order to avoid the hassle.
While PCR tests in Melbourne are free the current surge of omicron has resulted in large waves of people lining outside testing sites waiting to get tested. It takes 3-4 hours of waiting in line before even setting foot inside the testing center.
If you are required to take a PCR Test my suggestion would be to queue up at your nearest testing site before open hours.
The last thing that needs to be done after arriving is setting up the Service Victoria App.
Melbourne’s TraceTogether App. It allows you to check in at stores and acts as proof of your vaccination status. In order to set it up you need to have your vaccine certificate uploaded.